An American company’s lunar module is set to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere after a failed trip to the Moon. Astrobotic Technology reported that its module, named Peregrine, is heading back to Earth from the vicinity of the Moon, with the mission expected to end on Thursday. The module took off from Cape Canaveral but developed a fuel leak, forcing the company to abandon its attempt to make the first American moon landing in over 50 years.
Astrobotic has consulted with NASA and other government officials to end the mission in the best way possible, ensuring that it does not pose any risk to satellites around Earth or create a danger for future spacecraft flying to the Moon. The company stated that ending the mission responsibly is their part in preserving the future of space exploration.
The lunar module carried experiments from NASA, including a rover from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as privately funded research and the ashes and DNA of 70 people, including “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry and science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. The module was part of NASA’s efforts to commercialize lunar deliveries by private companies as the government aims to return astronauts to the moon.
Despite the failed mission, another American company, Intuitive Machines, is scheduled to launch its own lunar module next month.